The BC Energy Step Code is the Province’s new building energy code, involving a series of “Steps” representing improving energy performance levels. It measures the performance of different parts of the building, such as its airtightness level, envelope thermal performance, and mechanical equipment efficiency. The BC Energy Step Code will improve home comfort and air quality while reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings in Abbotsford.
Meeting Energy Step Code
Developers, Registered Professionals, Contractors, Builders and Designers are required to submit building permits for new residential, multi-family and commercial buildings that meet the Energy Step Code.
For Part 3 Residential, Multi-Family, and Commercial Buildings
The City is relying on the Registered Professionals (RPs) who are submitting the Letters of Assurance (LOAs) for compliance to Step Code for Part 3 buildings. Applications must have the Energy Model completed by a Registered Professional and the City will be requesting a copy of the Provincial Part 3 Compliance Form for Energy Step Code as part of the permit intake.
For Part 9 Dwelling Units
The Energy Step Code Step involves the following:
For specific information on changes to the permitting, review and inspections processes, please review the Building Division Bulletins on the Part 9 Buildings and Bulletins for Part 3 Buildings.
Airtightness testing at building completion is a key part of Step Code performance requirements. The Province requires all Step Code buildings to conduct a final airtightness test to receive an occupancy permit. At Step 1, airtightness must be good enough for overall building energy performance to equal the BC Building Code reference building. View the Provincial Bulletins B19-02 and B19-03 on airtightness.
Airtightness is the most cost-effective way to improve building energy performance, and an airtight building is easiest and least costly to achieve prior to drywall installation. The City of Abbotsford is strongly encouraging all Part 9 buildings to conduct a mid-construction blower door test before a building can proceed to insulation inspection.
As this is intended to be a capacity building requirement, the City is currently determining how the requirement may be waived for applicants that can demonstrate success constructing multiple airtight buildings, and the City will update the bulletins when this is determined.
Your Certified Energy Advisor will help with these tests and will suggest ways you can improve your building’s energy performance. The City encourages building teams to involve as many staff and trades as possible during the first few mid-construction blower door tests.
Visit the BC Energy Step Code website for more information on each of the Step Code requirements.
Local builder, architect/designer or homeowner who’s looking to build a new home or renovating one are encouraged to take advantage of the current rebates and incentives offered. Upcoming rebates or incentives will be updated here as they become available.
New Part 9 constructions following Step Code are eligible for $1000 up to $10,000 rebate through FortisBC’s New Home Program.
See Fortis BC's Rebates and Offers webpage.
Rebates of up to $8000 are available from CleanBC for switching primary heating from natural gas, propane or oil heating to electricity. Visit the CleanBC website for more information.
A 5-part webinar series was held from April - August 2021 which gave participants an overview of how the Step Code will shape the buildings of tomorrow through the insights of BCIT professionals and industry experts.
The City of Abbotsford and the Canadian Homebuilders' Association hosted a Step Code webinar on February 23, 2021. View the Step Code Webinar presentation slides or view the presentation video below.
